MODEL
GMC Acadia Safety
NHTSA safety across every GMC Acadia model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the GMC Acadia we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 94 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2023 at 81. 18 recalls have been issued across those years.
The GMC Acadia is a midsize three-row SUV that competes in one of the most crowded segments in the American market. Positioned as a family-focused hauler with a premium GMC badge, it targets buyers who want genuine people-moving practicality with a step up in refinement over mainstream alternatives. The 2019-through-2025 model range gives shoppers a wide window of options to evaluate on safety grounds.
The 2022 GMC Acadia achieved an Exceptional Safety Index score of 90 out of 100, a significant performance in its class. Its crash-test geometry from federal data reflects this: a 5 out of 5-star frontal rating and a 5 out of 5-star side rating were recorded in its strongest years. Rollover risk registered at 4 out of 5 stars, which is consistent with vehicles of its profile. However, the Acadia's recall history presents a notable concern. Seventeen recalls were issued across a seven-model-year span, a volume that exceeds what is typical for the segment. Prospective owners of any used Acadia from this generation should use NHTSA's VIN lookup tool to confirm all outstanding recalls have been addressed. The 802 owner complaints filed for the Acadia across the covered years include 22 alleged crashes, 16 alleged injuries, and 3 alleged fires. While these remain unverified allegations, the volume of complaints warrants consideration. Ultimately, the Acadia's crash-test ratings are strong, but its recall record is a substantial element of its overall safety profile. Recall verification is paramount for this model.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the GMC Acadia as a competent and well-rounded family SUV that earns points for its comfortable interior, reasonable versatility, and upscale positioning within the segment. Most find it a sensible rather than exciting choice, praising its approachable driving character while noting that the competitive midsize SUV field offers strong alternatives worth cross-shopping.
- The 2022 Acadia earned the highest NHTSA Safety Index in this generation at 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band - making model-year selection a meaningful safety decision within this generation.
- Seventeen recalls have been issued across the 2019-2025 model years. Any shopper considering a used Acadia should run the VIN through the NHTSA recall database to confirm all open recalls have been remedied before taking ownership.
- Owner complaints total 802 across the covered years, including 22 alleged crash involvements and 16 alleged injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the volume suggests shoppers should review active complaint categories on NHTSA's website for the specific model year they are considering.
- The Acadia's rollover rating holds at 4 out of 5 stars in its best test results, which is typical for a taller midsize SUV body style. Buyers prioritizing rollover performance should factor this into comparisons with lower-profile crossover alternatives.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 GMC Acadia with 6 recalls.